Twelve years ago this morning, I was in labor and waiting to head to the hospital to give birth to my first baby. I knew I was in labor at about 1:30 a.m. and called my midwife around 5:30 a.m., something I’m sure she really appreciated on New Year’s Day, but we stayed at home until noon, taking down our Christmas tree and paying bills and cleaning the house. I even scarfed down an egg breakfast, knowing that I’d need my strength for the hours ahead. Things moved along pretty nicely until 4 p.m., when the pushing started and Noah got stuck. Three hours later — yes, three hours of pushing — at 7:11 p.m., Noah made his way into the world.
I didn’t officially know I was having a boy ahead of time; I wanted to be surprised. But I always believed I was having a boy, and when I saw that baby, I knew without a doubt that Noah was the only name that would do. My Noah. And nothing has ever been the same. When we brought him home from the hospital, and I was in the throes of the “baby blues,” I would dance around our living room with Noah to John Lennon’s “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy),” crying the whole time. That song can still bring me back to those unforgettable days filled with once-in-a-lifetime moments. It feels like yesterday and it feels like a lifetime ago. How is it possible that the little boy who used to sleep scrunched up on my chest is the same boy who now stands as tall as my shoulders and can take my breath away with the strength of a hug? Life sure does speed by when we’re not looking.
So, happy birthday, baby boy. (Noah is a big fan of this blog, so I know he’ll be reading today.) As I always tell you, no matter how old you get, you will always be my baby. Thank you for coming into my life and allowing me to be your mom. My mother used to tell me that her children’s birthdays were her favorite days of the year. I never understood that until New Year’s Day 1997. Then, of course, it made perfect sense. Thanks for giving me one of my three favorite days of the year.
“Before you cross the street,
Take my hand,
Life is just what happens to you,
While your busy making other plans,
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
beautiful boy.” — John Lennon
